CRKT’s New Homefront Knife

Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) has just released their new Homefront knife at the Annual Blade Show in Atlanta, Georgia taking place this weekend. The knife is specifically designed to honor America’s military service members, and his a part of the company’s “Forged By War” program. The Homefront does not require military service to own, but can be a fine addition to anyone’s collection or as an every-day-carry (EDC) knife. As we’ve mentioned before, the BlueSheepDog Crew are big fans of CRKT and have found several of their knife offerings to be top-notch and high quality knives.

EDITOR’S NOTE: BSD does not receive financial compensation for our reviews, and CRKT is not an advertiser on this site. In fact, BSD depends on our Amazon-affiliate links to fund our reviews and travel to SHOT Show. This program provides BSD a small percentage (usually 3-8%) of the overall sale price for being the referrers. This does NOT effect your price at all.

The new CRKT Homefront looks great, and field strips without tools.

CRKT Homefront Knife

The CRKT Homefront™ knife takes on a classic folder appearance, while being the first knife to incorporate CRKT’s latest innovation with Field Strip Technology. This in-field, tool-less feature allows the user to take apart the hard used and grimy knife in the field, wash it out thoroughly, and return the knife to full use in minutes. No tools are necessary, and the process of break-down and re-set is very simple.

Broken down for easy clean-up.

The breakthrough, patent pending “Field Strip” innovation comes from world-renowned knife maker Ken Onion, and has been in the making for over ten years. The Homefront™ is disassembled when the knife is in the closed position. The user then pushes the front release lever away from the blade, and spins the turn release wheel on the rear of the handle away from the pivot shaft. Once the user feels the handle release, the handle pieces can be pulled up and away from the blade. This provides three main pieces that can be cleaned, oiled, or polished easily. Reassembly is as easy as reversing the procedure.

Using the iconic American Star lever, the field strip process can begin.

Below is a YouTube video on the field strip process for the CRKT Homefront.

The tank tread gear on the rear of the grip completes the field strip process.

From his shop in Kaneohe, HI, Ken Onion designed the Homefront™ knife to stay true to its vintage military roots with a unique WWI heirloom appearance. The bayonet lug-style flipper sets off the smooth open action of the 3.5″ modified drop point blade, while tank jimping on the backstrap sits snugly against your palm.

Each handle piece has a unique design mimicking a tire tread. The spine of the handles has a tank tread The manual flipper is designed and inspired to reflect on the bayonet lug so often used during the “War to End All Wars”. In the muddy mess of trench warfare, the bayonet, knife, and other tools were as often used as rifles and machine guns.

The CRKT Homefront is a very nice looking knife.

CRKT Homefront Features

AUS-8 Stainless steel blade

6061 Aluminum handle

Locking Liner

Field Strip Technology

Tip up pocket carry clip.

Folded, the CRKT Homefront makes a nice EDC knife.

CRKT Homefront Specifications

Blade Material: AUS-8 stainless steel

Handle Material: 6061 aluminum

Overall Open Length: 8.313 inches

Closed Length: 4.728 inches

Blade Length: 3.502 inches

Blade Thickness: 0.133 inches

Blade Type: Modified drop point

Weight: 4.8 ounces

Blade Hardness: HRC 57-58

Blade Finish: Brushed steel

Blade Edge: Plain

Lock Type: Locking liner

Special Feature: Field Strip Technology

MSRP: $150.00.

CRKT Homefront comes with a blade-up carry clip.

Final Thoughts

This new CRKT Homefront knife is a very attractive knife with a really unique field strip feature. Getting down into the nooks and crannies is particularly difficult on most knives, even those with open handles. This new feature will likely become a big hit for CRKT, and one mimicked by other knife makers.

The $150.00 MSRP is a bit steep in my opinion. Although this knife has innovative, patent-pending technology, looks very impressive, and is made from top-notch materials I just don’t think the Homefront should be so expensive. I would have rather seen a price somewhere in the $49.99 to $79.99 range. Thankfully, Amazon.com already has a CRKT Homefront for $93.00 and Free Shipping, so at least that is a significant savings.

Aaron is a sergeant with a midwestern police department, where he serves as a trainer, supervisor and SWAT sniper. In addition to his broad tactical knowledge, Aaron has experience in DUI, DRE and undercover narcotics investigations.